Setting up a company in Mauritius can be very quick\u2026 provided you choose the right legal status and anticipate recurring costs.<\/p>\n
In this guide, you will find the main legal statuses<\/strong> (sole proprietorship, Ltd company, LLP, Global Business structures), registration procedures<\/strong> (online or at the counter) and costs<\/strong> to be expected, with a focus on the incorporation fees<\/em>, THE annual fees<\/em> and the trade fees<\/em>.<\/p>\n Key points to remember (2026)<\/strong><\/p>\n In Mauritius, the \u201cgood\u201d status depends mainly on 4 criteria: your level of risk (liability), the number of partners, your banking\/client needs, and your expatriate status (right to work and reside).<\/p>\n If you are starting out on your own, the\u2019sole proprietorship<\/strong> may be the simplest way: you get a Business Registration Number (BRN)<\/strong> and one Business Registration Card<\/strong>. The process is advertised as quick (often \u201cwithin half a day\u201d).admin.theiguides.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n Regarding official expenses, the CBRD guide indicates a table based on the declared workforce (e.g. 125 WALL<\/strong> if \u201cnot more than 10 persons\u201d). (admin.theiguides.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n Attention :<\/strong> In a sole proprietorship, the separation between personal and professional assets is limited (depending on your situation, a company may offer better protection).<\/p>\n There Private Company<\/strong> (often a \u201cLtd\u201d) is generally chosen for:<\/p>\n The CBRD guide (online guide) specifically mentions the usual information and documents (identity, addresses, consents of directors\/shareholders, articles of incorporation if applicable).admin.theiguides.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n Less common for a typical entrepreneurial project, the Public Company<\/strong> It is geared more towards larger structures (governance, financing, etc.). The official incorporation fees are significantly higher than for a Private Company.admin.theiguides.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n Maurice also offers intermediate structures:<\/p>\n These formats may be suitable for professional associations or specific arrangements. Registration fees apply (e.g., LLP: incorporation fees are indicated in the guide).admin.theiguides.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n If your business has an international focus (holding company, investments, international flows, etc.), there are structures subject to specific frameworks (licenses, substance, approved service providers depending on the case). annual fees<\/strong> are not the same: for example, a Authorized Company<\/strong> has annual fees in USD (within the deadlines). (rra.govmu.org)<\/p>\n For an international project, it is recommended to arbitrate structure + taxation + compliance requirements<\/em> before choosing, because the real costs often come more from compliance (accounting, auditing, management) than from registration fees.<\/p>\n Many activities are free, but some are regulated<\/strong> (e.g., financial, tourism, healthcare, food sectors, etc.). The best approach is to check early on whether a permit\/license is required, as this can impact:<\/p>\n In Mauritius, the name reservation<\/strong> exists and the law provides for availability over a given period (the reservation is indicated as valid). 2 months<\/strong> (from the date of the notice, unless revoked).mof.govmu.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n Certain terms are particularly restricted: for example, unless the Registrar gives written consent, a name must not include words like \u201cAuthority\u201d, \u201cCorporation\u201d, \u201cGovernment\u201d, \u201cMauritius\u201d, \u201cNational\u201d, \u201cPresident\u201d, \u201cRepublic\u201d, \u201cState\u201d<\/em> (non-exhaustive list), nor terms suggesting a link with a local authority.mof.govmu.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n Good to know: the Reservation is not always required<\/strong> before incorporating. (new.edbmauritius.com)<\/p>\n The CBRD guide lists the expected information (directors, secretary if applicable, shareholders, registered office address, activities, etc.) and the documents to be uploaded.admin.theiguides.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n Practical tip: prepare a \u201cbank\u201d version of your file (capital structure, activity, contracts, proof of address), because opening the account can become the real bottleneck, depending on the banks and your profile.<\/p>\n Incorporation can be carried out via the online platform (CBRIS \/ MNS) according to the described procedures.admin.theiguides.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n Once the fees are paid, a electronic certificate of incorporation<\/strong> is issued and can be downloaded.admin.theiguides.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n The announced timeframe, assuming everything is in order, is within half a day<\/strong>. (admin.theiguides.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n Depending on your business and location, a trade fee<\/strong> may apply. The MCCI reminds us that:<\/p>\n Finally, regarding administrative interconnections: the CBRD guide indicates that certain procedures may be linked (e.g., the possibility of requesting VAT registration via MRA, registration of beneficial owners, sharing of information with certain authorities).admin.theiguides.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n To be clear: the total cost generally consists of official fees<\/strong> (Registrar\/CBRD + annual fees + trade fee) and operating costs<\/strong> (accounting, registered office\/headquarters, audit as appropriate, sector licenses, etc.). Official fees, however, can be quantified.<\/p>\n\n
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1) Possible legal structures for starting a business in Mauritius<\/h2>\n
Sole proprietorship (Business Registration \/ BRN)<\/h3>\n
Private Company (Ltd): the most common choice<\/h3>\n
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Public Company<\/h3>\n
Partnership, \u201cCommercial Company\u201d and LLP<\/h3>\n
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\u201cGlobal Business\u201d and Authorized Company (international) structures<\/h3>\n
2) Steps to create a company in Mauritius (concrete steps)<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Validate your activity (and any necessary authorizations)<\/h3>\n
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Step 2: Choose a name (and avoid \u201csensitive\u201d names)<\/h3>\n
Step 3: Prepare the information and documents (standard file)<\/h3>\n
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Step 4: Submit the application (online) and obtain the certificate<\/h3>\n
Step 5: Trade fee, start-up and related formalities<\/h3>\n
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3) Setting up a company in Mauritius: what costs should be expected?<\/h2>\n
Summary table of official fees (incorporation + annual fees 2026)<\/h3>\n